I get tired of variable monthly payments because they try to nail it down to a hair's width.

I could tell it was inconvenient for him to come show the property and they were willing to take any offer to the owner in order to get this out of their hair!

I always like to rely on factual data, so for questions #1 and #2, I can tell if you invest in the "sunbelt states" of Arizona, Texas, Florida, you are in very robust markets - see the chart below that combines population growth/migration with rent growth... then, if you have reservations on investing long-distance, research on multifamily syndications.

On a side note, I had pipes freeze at one of my units last weekend, I spent two hours on my back in a crawl space with a hair dryer.  

I’m working on improving my chart of accounts and funding stream for next time.

NO APPRECIATION.However, over the life time of the Investment... you TURNED $30k into $55,926.Given these two things:2017 - Invested $30k2016 - Returned $55,926You can calculate the Rate of Return as 6.43% per year which is calculated in cell K2.The Chart in Column I to J from 2017 to 2016 just shows you what it would be like as a CD.Hopefully I explained it better.Bottom line, the 6.43% has nothing to do with reinvesting the $250 per month.

@Mark Gliebe, Imagine the chart as a one gigantic titanic ship with 24 floors and you are seeing a glimpse of a iceberg in Seattle (first MSA city to be in the red).

If you include utilities and appliances, this chart is null.I'm not advocating anyone here lower their rent to meet the voucher values.

You are splitting hairs I think.

I think this will be so much more fun than looking at charts all day!